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Dataset | 21 Jan 2021

Dietary recommendations for water intake

Dietary recommendations for adequate water intake in ml per day as described by food- and health-related organisations 

EFSA 2010 a    
Age ml/day
6-12 months 800-1000
1-2 years 1100-1200
2-3 years 1300
4-8 years 1600
  Males Females
9-13 years 2100 1900
≥ 14 years 2500 2000
Pregnant women   2300
Lactating women   2700
DACH 2016 b    
Age ml/day
0-4 months 620
4-12 months 900
1-3 years 1170
4-6 years 1420
7-9 years 1570
10-12 years 1880
13-14 years 2140
15-18 years 2450
19-50 years 2270-2360
≥50 years 1970-1990
Pregnant women 2360
Lactating women 2710
BDA 2017 a    
Age ml/day
0-6 months 550 (through milk)
7-12 months 640-800
1-2 years 880-960
2-3 years 1040
4-8 years 1280
  Males Females
9-13 years 1680 1520
≥ 14 years 2000 1600
Pregnant women   1900
Lactating women   2200-2300
NNR 2012 a    
Age ml/day
2-13 years 1000
≥14 years 1000-1500
Lactating women extra 600-700
IOM 2005 b    
Age ml/day
0-6 months 700 (through milk)
7-12 months 800
1-3 years 1300
4-8 years 1700
  Males Females
9-13 years 2400 2100
14-18 years 3300 2300
≥19 years 3700 2700
Pregnant women   3000
Lactating women   3800

 

a includes water and other beverages only, not water derived from foods. All intake values are averages and apply only to conditions of moderate environmental temperature and moderate physical activity levels. The NNR 2012 guidelines specifically note that foods provide 1000 to 1500 mL of water per day.

b includes total water intake from drinking water, beverages of all kinds (including tea, coffee, juices, sodas, and drinking water), and moisture from foods.